If you are interested in drought, climate change and California, read on.
by Alexa Lomberg
Jan. 17, 2014—Too bad Gov. Jerry Brown didn’t keep this notebook. But even without his notes from 1977, Brown’s previous experience as governor during severe drought season might come in handy. Today, earlier than originally anticipated, Brown once again declared a drought emergency in California, allowing for streamlined federal assistance.
For many California cities, including Santa Cruz County, 2013 was the driest year on record.
“We can’t make it rain, but we can be much better prepared for the terrible consequences that California’s drought now threatens, including dramatically less water for our farms and communities that increased fires in both urban and rural areas,” Brown said in a statement.
Some of the consequences for the fishing community are already showing up. Other current problems magnified by the dry weather include the Colby fire northeast of Los Angeles in Glendora, which has burned five homes and damaged over 1,700 acres since igniting on Jan. 16.
Read about the high-pressure air mass causing drought conditions in California.
Brown asked all California residents to cut back at least 20 percent of their water use (remember “if it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down”?). This campaign will be part of the existing Save Our Water program that aims to make all Californians aware of the drought. His emergency declaration contained 20 points, with the immediate suggested water reduction first. Other points included hiring additional firefighters, placing a moratorium on non-essential landscaping at public buildings, requiring faster approval on water sales and transfers, and urging cities to update their drought planning.
“We are in an unprecedented, very serious situation," Brown said.
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